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Rassie Erasmus urged to switch Test allegience after World Cup win
By Ian Cameron
Double Rugby World Cup winning Springboks director of rugby Rassie Erasmus has been called upon to switch allegiance following South Africa’s thrilling victory in the Rugby World Cup final in Paris.
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New Zealand captain Sam Cane became the first player to be sent off in a World Cup final as South Africa retained their title with a nail-biting 12-11 victory at Stade de France.
Cane was shown a red card for in the 28th minute for a dangerous tackle on Jesse Kriel but the All Blacks responded with character and resilience to take the champions to the wire on a wet Paris night.
Beauden Barrett ran in the first try ever scored against South Africa in a World Cup final as the final quarter approached but, with Richie Mo’unga unable to add the conversion, New Zealand still trailed.
Jordie Barrett then missed a tricky long-range penalty that would have toppled the Springboks and despite furious late attempts to strike from long range they were unable to break through the green wall.
Handre Pollard kicked four first-half penalties but South Africa failed to score again after the interval of one of the greatest finals that ended with the 80,000 crowd on their feet in nervous anticipation.
The victory means South Africa are the most successful nation in men’s World Cup history with their fourth crown nudging them clear of the All Blacks.
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Now DoR Erasmus has been called upon to lend a hand in righting England. “Hey Rassie, congrats and all that but what are your plans now? Fancy leading England please?’
Hey @RassieRugby congrats and all that but what are your plans now? Fancy leading @EnglandRugby please?!
— Andy Goode (@AndyGoode10) October 28, 2023
Signs are that with head coach Jacques Nienaber heading to Leinster, Erasmus will stay to guide the Springboks for the time being at least. Erasmus finding a new gig with England isn’t so far fetched though, as his assistant coach Felix Jones is already on his way north after the World Cup.
As regards to social media, Erasmus – who has changed his picture to that of Agustin Pichot for some reason – took the time following the Boks’ win to direct a Tweet at RugbyPass writer Ben Smith, who’s become a regular sparring partner.
Sleep lekka sheep ?????? https://t.co/2pwvp7pzXo pic.twitter.com/mxDDVxgjUh
— Rassie Erasmus (@RassieRugby) October 28, 2023
additional reporting PA
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Latest Comments
The weather was dreadful but the playing surface was great so there is no real excuse for such another poor standard of play from both sides. Dragons just the better team. But, what a shocking decision by the TMO not to award the Fifita try. This pretty much sums up Welsh rugby with poor teams and poor officials. The WRU have a lot of work to do and it needs to be done quickly to avoid rugby being lost to our future generations.
Go to commentsNo chance of Borthwick selecting any young talent. He announced his selection policy from the outset with naming a poor OF as Captain, retaining an equally poor Youngs and Vunipola brothers when there were many better EQP in the Premiership. SB revival of Leicester was based on SA muscle and a terrific Welsh flanker he has generally ignored young English talent.
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